A dental bridge, as the name implies bridges the gap between one or more missing teeth. It is a common, affordable, time-tested, and
A bridge is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap – these two or more anchoring teeth are called abutments and a false tooth in between. These false teeth are called
What are some of the benefits of a dental bridge?
- It helps in restoring your smile.
- Restores the ability to chew and speak properly.
- Maintains the shape of your face.
- Evenly d
istributes the force in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth. - Prevents remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
The different types of dental bridges are:
- Traditional bridge: It involves creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between. Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridge and are made of either porcelain fused to metal or ceramics. This is generally used when you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap created by the missing teeth. The downside of traditional bridges is that your dentist will need to prepare the adjacent teeth by removing their enamel to make room for the crown that will be cemented on the top. Since enamel does not grow back, these teeth will always need to be protected with crowns, even if you later choose a different type of bridge.
- Maryland bonded bridge: These are also called resin-bonded bridge. It is made of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal or porcelain framework. Metal or porcelain wings often on just one side of the bridge are bonded to your existing teeth.
- Cantilever bridge: They are very similar to traditional bridges, but the pontic is supported by an abutment on only one side, rather than on both the sides. So, if there is only one natural tooth next to a gap, a bridge can still be secured. Just like the traditional bridge, your dentist will need to prepare the adjacent tooth by removing the enamel to support the bridge.
- Implant-supported bridge: This is used when more than one tooth is missing. Instead of being supported by the crown or frameworks, these bridges are supported by dental implants. Normally, one implant is placed for every missing tooth, and this series of implants hold the bridge in place. However, the bridge may consist of a pontic suspended between two implant-supported crowns if placing one implant for every tooth isn’t possible. Since these bridges are secured implants, they feel very secure and comfortable. One downside for this surgery is that you will be needing two surgeries. One for the implant and second to place the bridge and due to
this the procedure takes five to six months to complete.
What is the process of getting a dental bridge?
- During the initial visit, the abutment teeth are prepared. Preparation involves recontouring these teeth by removing a portion of enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them. Next, impressions of the teeth are made, which serve as the model from which the bridge, pontic, and crowns will be made by a dental lab. Your dentist will make a temporary bridge to wear to protect the exposed teeth and the gums while the bridge is being prepared.
- In the second visit, your temporary bridge will be removed and the new porcelain or metal bridge will be checked and adjusted, as necessary, to achieve a proper fit.
- Multiple visits may be required to check the fit of the metal framework and bite. This is dependent on each individual’s case. If the dental bridge is a fixed bridge, your dentist may temporarily cement it in place for a couple of weeks to make sure it is fitting properly.
- After a couple of weeks, the bridge is cemented into place.
What should I be expecting after the procedure?
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge should make eating easier. Until you become accustomed to the bridge, one should eat soft food which has been cut into small pieces. Also, with some missing teeth, it might have been somewhat difficult to speak. However, with a dental bridge, you will be able to speak fluently.
How long does the dental bridge last?
A dental bridge can last from 5 to 15 years and longer. With good care, it is not unusual for the life span of a fixed bridge to be over 10 years.
How can I care about dental bridge?
- It is very important to keep the remaining teeth in a healthy condition as the success of the dental bridge depends on the solid foundation offered by the surrounding teeth.
- Brushing twice a day, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash daily helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.
- Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule with your dentist will help diagnose any problem at the preliminary stage and can be treated accordingly.
- Well balanced and nutritious food is also very important for maintaining good dental health.
The cost of dental bridge varies depending on the type of bridge selected, the work which needs to be performed, the material used, etc. With the right treatment, a missing or damaged tooth doesn’t have to impact the look of your smile or the overall condition of your mouth. Dental bridges offer a number of advantages so if your dentist recommends this treatment for you, it’s an excellent choice.
At Dr. Mohamed Ali’s practice, San Francisco, we give every patient the best care possible from the tremendously talented and caring staff. During the initial visit, Dr. Mohamed Ali will thoroughly examine your mouth and will use your digital x-rays, photographs, and 3-D cone beam CT-Scan to support his findings. He will present different options and also advise you on the best option, suited for you. The billing experts will check your insurance benefits and present a complete treatment plan with the financial arrangements. We accept all major dental and medical PPO insurance plans. We also have an in-office Plan For Health for those who don’t have an insurance. Additionally, we have partnered with various financial institutions like Care Credit, The Lending Club, Healthcare Finance Solutions to make your treatment extremely affordable. We will be happy to answer all your questions. So just sit, relax, and let us bring a smile you need on your face. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 415.391.7751.
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thanks for the advice about using an antiseptic mouthwash regularly will reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum diseases. My uncle has a porcelain bridge that was done years ago, and how he is facing oral pain. I will tell him to do this after he gets his dental bridge repair.
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It’s good that you point out that dental bridges are an effective way to replace a missing tooth. I lost a tooth recently and I’m considering going to a dentist to have it replaced with a dental bridge. I’m going to look for a good dentist in my area that does bridges.
Thanks for mentioning that some benefits of dental bridges are it helps to restore your smile, restores the ability to chew and speak, and maintains the shape of your face. My brother is thinking of getting some dental bridges next month because he has some missing teeth and speculates filling in the space will be more beneficial. I think it’s a good investment to hire a reputable professional that can help him choose which products will be better if he decides to get them.
It’s good that you point out that a dental bridge can help improve your appearance if you are missing teeth. I lost one of my teeth recently, so I’m considering going to a cosmetic dentist to get a dental bridge. I’m going to look for a good dentist in my area that does bridges.
It’s good that you point out that a dental bridge is a great way to replace a missing tooth. I lost one of my teeth playing tennis recently, so I’m considering going to a dentist to get a dental bridge. I’m going to look for a good dentist in my area that does bridges.
Thank you, Conrad. All the best.
It’s great that you point out that a dental bridge is a long-lasting solution for replacing a missing tooth. My son lost one of his front teeth playing tennis recently, so I’m thinking about taking him to a dentist to get a dental bridge. I’m going to search for a good local dentist that does dental bridges.
Thank you and all the best for your treatment. Hope you find a good dentist in your area.
I find it interesting to learn that having a dental bridge can give someone who lost teeth the ability to chew and speak properly again. My friend lost a couple of his teeth because of an accident last week and he’s been looking for a way to get his smile back. I’ll suggest that he contact his dentist for an appointment as soon as he can.
Yes, that would be good for your friend.
A couple of my teeth have been aching for the past couple of days but I’m worried because I work too much during the week to go see a dentist. I will be sure to look for practices in my area that can see me at a convenient time so that I don’t have to miss work.
Please do that at the earliest in order to prevent anything from becoming serious. All the best.
It’s valuable that you point out that getting a dental bridge is a great way to restore your appearance if you are missing teeth. One of my front teeth got knocked out while I was playing football recently, so I’m considering going to a dentist to get a dental bridge. I’m going to look for a good dentist in my area that does dental bridges.
My uncle has been thinking about getting some help so that his mouth can look like new and he can cover any missing teeth. Having a professional give him a bridge could be really useful and allow him to look like normal. I liked what you said about how a temporary bridge will be added and the multiple visits may be needed to check the fit.
Thank you. All the best for his procedure.
It’s great that you elaborate on how a dental bridge is an effective solution for people who are missing teeth. I lost a tooth in a bicycle accident recently, so I’m considering going to a dentist to get a dental bridge. I’m going to look for a good dentist in my area that does dental bridges.
It’s cool that you mention that a dental bridge can improve your smile if you are missing teeth. I lost a tooth during a rugby game a few weeks ago, so I’m considering going to a dentist to get a dental bridge. I’m going to look for a reputable dentist in my area who does bridges.
Thank you Jonathan. All the best.